Christmas Markets

With no less than six festive markets dotted around the city, about three million people come to Cologne every year armed with their Christmas shopping lists. The one right by Cologne cathedral is particularly atmospheric - the Gothic spires provide the perfect backdrop to the 160 or so stalls. The Alter Markt is really special, too. It’s in front of the old town and with 80 odd half-timbered stands, it’s arguably the cosiest of Cologne’s markets. Got the little ones in tow? Then head for the market on Rudolfplatz. The fairytale theme is a real hit with children and there’s about 60 stalls to choose from.

When it comes to Christmasy settings, Salzburg wins hands down. Alpine peaks and pine forests cocoon the city. Steeples peep up above the snow-dusted rooftops. And church bells ring out to remind everyone that Christmas is just around the corner. The main Christmas fair takes place between Salzburg’s Baroque cathedral and the Residenzplatz. And as if that wasn’t enough, the enchanting Getriedegasse shopping street is a great place to hunt out traditional gifts, too. Stocking filler-wise, look out for gingerbread love hearts, little nativity figures and striped candy canes. Once you’ve done your shopping, bite into a baked apple or nibble on some toasted almonds as the sound of carol singers fills the air.

‘Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen’ – it won’t be long before you’ll be humming the tune to this famous Christmas carol. This is, after all, where you’ll find Wenceslas Square. What’s more, the square just happens to be the setting of Prague’s most talked about festive market. Picture the scene. Cobblestone streets. Soaring spires. Fairytale turrets. And everywhere you look, row upon row of brightly coloured wooden huts filled with Christmas delights. Czech glasswork, wooden toys and some of the most amazing puppets you’ve ever clapped eyes on are among the goodies in store.

In Vienna, old-fashioned wooden huts line market squares and backstreets. Inside, they harbour all sorts of yuletide curios - everything from handmade toys to knitted pullovers. The main markets are around Rathausplatz, Schonbrunn Castle and Spittelberg. And when you’re ready for a bite to eat, just follow your nose. The smell of candyfloss and sugared fruits wafts among the market stalls. Keep your hands warm around a bag of roasted chestnuts and perhaps sip a glass of hot mulled wine. Once you’ve trawled the stalls, why not head to Prater Park and look down on the fairy-lit city from the top of Vienna’s famous Ferris wheel.

Munich has something of a provincial charm about it. A peek inside the famous Hofbrauhaus beer house reveals an almost stereotypical scene. Clinking tankards. Steins of beer. And um-pah-pah bands. Don’t be surprised to see people walking through the streets in traditional Bavarian dress, Hansel and Gretel-style. Lederhosen. Feathers in hats. The works. Munich itself overflows with Medieval buildings and gorgeous old half-timbered houses. Take a stroll down the handsome Ludwig Street for a glimpse of the city’s most impressive architectural treasures. At Christmas time, the city’s main square, the 14th-century Marienplatz, is the setting for all the festivities. An enormous Christmas tree adorned with 2,500 candles sits in front of the city hall, casting its glow over the 140 or so markets stalls. Hundreds of merchants set up shop to create this, Germany’s biggest Christmas fair. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, it’s a feast for the tastebuds, too. Sip a mug of hot, steaming ‘gluhwien’ – a type of mulled wine – as you stock up on pressies.